The parables of Luke 15 all emphasize the great joy God the Father feels when a relationship is established with a sinner. Notice the end of the first parable.
3 And He told them this parable, saying,
4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it?
5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
What we must remember is why God is involved in salvation: it is for his own joy and the satisfaction of having a loving relationship with human beings. Each of the three parables in Luke 15 end with a party. The shepherd, the woman, and the father in the parables throw a party because what they have lost has been found.
Of course we who are Christians are delighted with the reality of our salvation, but what really makes Christianity wonderful is to enter into the joy of God the Father. When we recognize that knowing us brings Him joy (which for us is an almost impossible thought to have), it brings us peace and a sense of security. So remember that salvation is not all about us but it is also all about God the Father's satisfaction, joy, and love.
